Annual Firefighter’s Chili Challenge at Lock 3

Benefits Akron Children’s Burn Unit

City of Akron Press Release
From the desk of stephanie york
Published: 01-15-2015

The City of Akron is sponsoring its 9th annual Firefighter’s Chili Challenge, on Friday, January 16th, 2014 from 11:00am to 1:30 pm (or until the Chili runs out) at Lock 3 on South Main Street in Downtown Akron.

Akron firefighters have once again challenged others to see who can concoct the best chili for Downtown employees and visitors. The famous firehouse chili-makers will square off against other chili cooks, with all proceeds benefitting Akron Children’s Hospital’s Burn Unit.

Eight dollars buys chili eaters five servings of chili and a beverage. Beer, soft drinks, water, and coffee will be available. Additional chili samples will be available for $1.50.

A panel of celebrity judges will decide the best of the bunch, and all entrants will compete for bragging rights with the “Peoples’ Choice” award, voted on by those attending. Last year the Akron Fire Department won both. There is a new category this year, as teams will be vying for the “most spirited team award,” the Joe Smith Spirit Award, in honor of Detective Joe Smith that passed away this past year. Detective Smith was very involved with the chili challenge from its inception.

In a new twist, Lock 3 employees will make up a large batch of the People’s Choice winner to sell Jan. 17 at Lock 3. It will vie against chili from Whitey’s Booze N’ Burgers in Richfield. Five dollars will buy two 8-ounce bowls of chili and water, hot chocolate or coffee.